Neolithic era human skull discovered in Türkiye’s Sefertepe
In the Sefertepe excavations conducted within the framework of the "Sanliurfa Province Neolithic Research Tas Tepeler (Stone Hills) Project" by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2021, new information has been uncovered regarding the burial traditions of the "Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period," particularly in Upper Mesopotamia, September 19, 2024 (AA Photo)
Recent excavations in Sefertepe, part of the “Tas Tepeler (Stone Hills) Project” in Sanliurfa, have unearthed significant evidence regarding Neolithic burial traditions. A human skull discovered during these ongoing digs offers new insights into the funerary rites of the era.
Led by Assoc. Professor Emre Guldogan from Istanbul University’s Department of Archaeology, the excavations began in 2021 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
This year’s work has yielded crucial information about the “Pre-Pottery Neolithic” burial customs prevalent in Upper Mesopotamia.
The skull was found in a niche within a specially constructed structure, with most of it intact except for the lower jaw. This find has been secured for further scientific analysis.
Breaking new ground Sefertepe
Assoc. Prof. Guldogan remarked on the discovery, stating, “This skull, positioned laterally within the niche, suggests that it was displayed in a special area before typical burial practices began. This detail is vital for understanding the funerary rituals of the Neolithic period.”
Previous findings in the region, such as skeletal remains from Karahan and Sayburc contained cut marks and indications of ritualistic treatments. However, the Sefertepe skull is particularly significant as it may fill a crucial gap in the understanding of how these processes were conducted.
Expert perspectives
Professor Yilmaz Selim Erdal from Hacettepe University highlighted the implications of this discovery. He noted that while other sites, like Gobeklitepe, have previously shown selective burials, the Sefertepe skull provides concrete evidence of how certain remains were handled and possibly displayed prior to burial.
“This finding indicates that parts of the deceased’s body were preserved and treated with reverence until the final burial,” Erdal explained. “It supports the idea that unique rituals were performed in special contexts.”
The skull from Sefertepe is expected to answer many questions surrounding Neolithic burial practices, contributing significantly to the field of archaeology.
As excavations continue, researchers hope to uncover more about the complex traditions that shaped early human societies in Türkiye.
